Law Society supports gender equality across the legal profession

The Law Society sees the promotion of gender equality across the legal profession, including in our State’s Judiciary, as an important part of its commitment to the Law Council of Australia’s Diversity and Equality Charter, which commits the legal profession to the promotion of equality, diversity, respect and inclusion regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or any other arbitrary feature.

Law Society President Elizabeth Needham said, “The Law Society supports gender equality in Western Australia’s Judiciary. It goes without saying that any judicial appointment will be made on merit, taking into account the appointee’s experience and standing.

“I was disappointed to see that the name of one person was singled out in the weekend media. It has the effect of stifling the debate, which is not about individuals but the principles to be applied to the appointment of judicial officers.

“It is also no answer to say that by counting all of the Registrars, Magistrates and Judges in one jurisdiction such as the Family Court, there are two more women than men. This is a question of equality in each level of public office.

“There are many talented and experienced members of the WA legal profession, who should be considered to fill the vacancy in the Family Court following the retirement of the Honourable Justice Jane Crisford.”

Law Society supports gender equality across the legal profession

The Law Society sees the promotion of gender equality across the legal profession, including in our State’s Judiciary, as an important part of its commitment to the Law Council of Australia’s Diversity and Equality Charter, which commits the legal profession to the promotion of equality, diversity, respect and inclusion regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality or any other arbitrary feature.

Law Society President Elizabeth Needham said, “The Law Society supports gender equality in Western Australia’s Judiciary. It goes without saying that any judicial appointment will be made on merit, taking into account the appointee’s experience and standing.

“I was disappointed to see that the name of one person was singled out in the weekend media. It has the effect of stifling the debate, which is not about individuals but the principles to be applied to the appointment of judicial officers.

“It is also no answer to say that by counting all of the Registrars, Magistrates and Judges in one jurisdiction such as the Family Court, there are two more women than men. This is a question of equality in each level of public office.

“There are many talented and experienced members of the WA legal profession, who should be considered to fill the vacancy in the Family Court following the retirement of the Honourable Justice Jane Crisford.”

The Law Society of Western Australia

The Law Society of Western Australia is a constituent body of the Law Council of Australia

The Law Society acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which our building is located, the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation. The Law Society is committed to providing access to resources and services to meet the needs of a diverse community.